Youth (updated January 24th 2018)

Details

Written by Stephen Ryan

Published: 07 January 2013

Most Sundays throughout the year, Orwell Youths hold cycling sessions. In these we aim to teach the children bike handling skills, to help them keep fit, to give them confidence in riding a bike, both at a competitive level and more importantly in their day to day lives.

The year is split roughly into two parts - October to March, and April to August. During the first part of the season we will concentrate on skills and cycling in a fairly controlled environment - both at Corkagh Park and on the road. We also use Sundrive Track, Lucan BMX and Ticknock or Ballinastoe Mountain biking and spin along the canal cycle paths. With increased numbers on board for 17/18 we will be able to offer a wider range of activities and have decent sized groups in different age and ability categories

In the second part we will be going further afield and talking in a few road trips, a few races and some sportives as well as regular spins from Joe Dalys. U10's will go to a nearby park and older boys and girls will go on road spins suitable for their experience.

The age groups which are referred to below are set out by Cycling Ireland and are based on year of birth / calendar year - and where we refer to groups we are now referring to the group for 2018.

Year of Birth

2018 Group

2000

2nd Year Junior

2001

1st year Junior

2002

U16

2003

U16

2004

U14

2005

U14

2006

U12

2007

U12

2008 & later

U10

We have a mailing list which you can subscribe to by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. asking to be put on. This goes out periodically and keeps you updated on our youths activities.

Winter 2017/18

The Winter calendar is published and is available on the right hand side of the webpage in the Files section. Most activities meet at Corkagh Park ,Clondalkin at 10:00 on a Sunday. New youths are always welcome and can try a few sessions before having to commit . After 3 spins you are required to join Cycling Ireland . You can join Orwell at any stage and membership is currently free for youths but for insurance purposes you will have to join Cycling Ireland and price - modest enough - is based on age.

Summer 2018

During the summer we have a wide range of cycling activities on offer , including

Regular Sunday spins for all age groups

Monday night racing @ Corkagh Park throughout the summer

Supported race weekends such as Ras na Nog and the National Championships

Leisure spins, the Tour of Meath and the Joe Daly Memorial

Track racing on Wednesdays & training on Saturdays

More details on all of the above will be provided nearer the summer.

Who is it for?

The lessons are open to cyclists from 6-18, boys and girls, and of any ability. Exercises will be age and ability appropriate. In the opening months we encourage mixing of the groups and adopt a very inclusive approach to the group.

You can read regular reports which will give you an idea of what we do by selecting Youth->Reports from the drop-down menu above, or clicking on this link: youth reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are parents required to stay?

No. You are free to go for a walk, cycle or just read the papers if you like – provided you leave us a phone number. At the moment we do not have the facility to drive children out to Clondalkin (Corkagh Park) but are working on that. At each session, there will always be two responsible adults present at least one of which will have Garda vetting in place. All our coaches and helpers are required to have Garda vetting.

Do the children &/or parents need to join Orwell?

There is no requirement for the parents to be. We do ask children to join – but it is free. After three sessions you will be required to join Cycling Ireland, for insurance purposes. At the time of writing those fees range from €5 to €35 depending on age.

Is there a charge for the lessons?

Nope – all services are provided by Orwell Wheelers.

What type of bike do I need?

This varies! For the initial few classes come along on whatever you have. if you don't have one we have a very limited number we can loan out. If you decide that you would like to keep going at it, the children will feel the benefits from a well serviced bike in good condition. As you progress we would encourage you to consider the type of bike that is best suited to your child’s enjoyment of cycling

What will you teach?

We aim to teach bike handling skills, bike riding skills such as riding in a group, basic bike maintenance – we don’t want to have to fix every puncture - and to incrementally improve the children's comfort and therefore enjoyment on a bike.

All events are weather dependent we don't go when it is too wet or windy to be enjoyable. You will get a text if a session is cancelled. We do encourage children to wrap up warm with layers - they can always take them off if need be.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Jen Sheridan: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 087 414 1177